Alex Smith and the West Coast offense in 2016
Smith’s biggest struggles of 2016 have come on third down. According to Pro Football Reference, Smith has completed just 22 of 40 passes on third down.
He has thrown the most passes on third down and three yards or less situations. But the second-highest number of passes he has thrown on third down come in third and long (10-plus yards) situations. Albeit a small sample size through just four weeks, that those numbers are not indicative of a successful West Coast Offense.
Smith relies on hitting check-down passes early on first and second downs. He’s struggling with those passes so far in 2016. Plus, he is having a difficult time reading down field coverage to find open receivers.
Faux Tony Gonzalez open at the 41 and Smith goes to Reek for 1 yd. It's like he can't read coverage at all. pic.twitter.com/nUYPerQQKm
— 📽️ Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) October 4, 2016
Yet another Alex Smith ??? play. Maclin wide open at the 40 as he abandons a pretty decent pocket. This guy is broken as an NFL QB. pic.twitter.com/4dOlhgy2bA
— 📽️ Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) October 4, 2016
The success of the West Coast Offense is heavily dependent on wide receivers gaining yards after the catch. Smith ranks at the bottom of yards gained per pass completion (9.8) in 2016. In fact, Smith is only better than Cody Kessler of the Cleveland Browns. Part of that blame falls on the wide receivers.
Tyreek Hill has been a welcomed addition to the Chiefs on offense in 2016. Game-by-game, Hill has seen an increased roll in the offense. His speed and agility should go a long way to helping Smith as the season rolls on.